The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1887-12-28
Soldiers Budget.
Lee and Jackson.

The day before Jackson's column
started on the great movement against
the right of Hooker's army at Chancel-
louisville General Lee invited Colonel
T.. M. II. Talcott of the engineers to
come to his quarters and be present
at an interview which he had arranged
to have with General Jackson that
evening. AT the appointed hour Colonel
Talcott reported to General Lee and
was politely requested to be seated.
General Lee remarked: 81 am expect
ing General Jackson and l sent for you
that you might hear what passes be-
tween u.s." General Lee was seated at
table, upon which was spread map
of the field of operations. He paid no
attention to the colonel, who was the
only other person present, but intently
studied the map. With his finger he
located point after point and carefully
traced the roads and streams. The
colonel silently and wonderingly waited.
Suddenly the massive figure of Jackson
parted the tent and he stood inside.
Then there were three present. Two
to act and one to record. Jackson
saluted and uttered the single word,
General" General Lee, intent upon
the problem of the map, did not appear
to notice the arrival of his great right
arm " until he heard his voice. When
Jackson spoke General Lee raised his
eyes from the map and looked intently
at Jackson, and, without salute or even
good-evening," commenced talking
with great energy and rapidity: "Gen-
eral Jackson, have sent for you in order
hot I iuh hnt an ff Il
vice and assistance. You are familiar
with the present state of affairs, and what
is your opinion as to what is the best that
can be done under the present circum-
stances?" General Jackson straight
ened himself and replied: " have no
suggestions to make, sir" This reply
seemed to excite, almost annoy, Gen
eral Lee, and he at once insisted that
Jackson should express some opinion.
AS if to encourage him he went over
the situation, traced the roads with his
finger, located his own troops and those
of the enemy, enlarged on the great
danger menacing his army told Jackson
he had sent for him especially to have
his views and then, looking wistfully at
him, paused for his reply. Again Jack
son rose to his full height and again he
said, quietly and firmly: 81 have no
suggestions to make, SIR" General
Lee then rapidly stated his determine
ton to attack, and, tracing the route
and the points on the map with his
finger, laid before Jackson every detail
of the movement. AS he rapidly dis
closed the plan his voice and counte-
nance expressed enormous energy and
suppressed enthusiasm. Jackson, still
standing, absorbed every word and, as
the plan was developed before him by
the man he was "willing to follow
blindfolded," seemed TRANSPORTED. AS
General Lee proceeded he became more
and more erect. His face flushed and
his eyes fairly glittered with excitement.
General Lee concluded by telling him
exactly what troops he should take; at
what hour he should march; by what
road and to what point; how he should
form line of battle with his right here
and his left there and fronting 80 and
attack Jackson smiling, touched his
cap, said {" march at four in the morn
ing" and turned on his heel and van
ished. General Lee then turned quietly
to the colonel of engineers and said:
Colonel Talcott, you will please ride
with General Jackson in the morning
and conduct his column past my left"
Every well, SIR" said the colonel, and
then saluting, he departed, and Lee
was alone with the awful responsibility.
Who could paint the solitude of the
great heart when this great deed was
done; and who would not rather be
Jackson, riding in storm of wild hur-
rahs to quick death and glorious victory,
than Lee, the calm burden-bearer and
hero of responsibility, who bravely said
"It is all my fault" and died. Chan
cellorsville, the most daring and sue
cessful battle, considering the odds
ever fought on this continent, was
planned and ordered by the man OF
whom critics have said, he was eau
tious and slow" Let this witness
against them.-Richmond Critic.